The Arizona Game and Fish Department will be installing donated Christmas Trees into Apache Lake on Friday, Saturday, and *Sunday January 9th-11th starting at 9:00 AM at 3 mile wash. Volunteers will need to register for each day they wish to help. This registration is for *Sunday 1/11/2026. *this date may be canceled if all of the work is completed Friday-Saturday.
We will be tying trees to cinderblocks and loading them up on Department pontoons to distribute around the lake. Volunteers will be able to help build and deploy trees. We will provide some gloves, for those that need them, along with the habitat supplies to get the trees ready to deploy.
Volunteers should bring water, food, sunscreen, hat, sunglasses, etc. Volunteers will want to wear closed toed shoes and clothes appropriate for January weather. If you have any questions feel free to email Lacey Schmitt at LSchmitt@azgfd.gov or Nathan Bailey at NBailey@azgfd.gov.
Location: Apache Lake - 3 mile wash
Time: 1/11/26 at 9:00AM - completion (4-5PM)
Though the Apache Trail (State Route 88) might be open, there is a section that is only accessible by high-clearance 4WD and UTVs only. It is recommended to drive up to Roosevelt on the 188, and head south on the 88 from there to get to 3 Mile Wash at Apache.
*Please be advised, your GPS might take you on the 88 by default because it is shorter, if you are hauling anything or do not have a high clearance vehicle, I recommend driving up to the 188 and then south on the Apache Trail.*
The 3 Mile Wash is a dirt area that may require 4WD in some areas of loose ground. If you'd like to participate but don't have a vehicle that can park on dirt, please email me at LSchmitt@azgfd.gov before 1/7/25 and we can coordinate a shuttle from one of the overlook parking areas.
